Crimson Topaz, from the Birds of the Tropics series (N5) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands 1889

This small chromolithograph entitled Crimson Topaz is from the "Birds of the Tropics" series, created for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes. Produced during the late 19th century, a time marked by industrial expansion and burgeoning consumer culture, these cards were inserted into cigarette packs as a marketing strategy. They were designed to appeal to a broad audience, fostering an interest in the natural world. The exoticism of the tropics became a symbol of wealth and escape. The detailed depiction of the bird reflects the Victorian era's fascination with natural history and scientific exploration. However, it’s important to consider how this fascination was intertwined with colonial power dynamics. The collection and classification of species often served to legitimize imperial expansion, framing foreign lands as resources to be exploited. While seemingly innocent, this card participates in a larger narrative of cultural appropriation and the commodification of nature. It invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between commerce, science, and the projection of power onto the natural world.